Thailand’s Gemstone Capital and a Lush Eastern Border Province
Chanthaburi Province is a culturally rich and naturally abundant province in Eastern Thailand, bordering Cambodia. Internationally renowned as Thailand’s gemstone capital, Chanthaburi is equally famous for its tropical fruit orchards, Catholic heritage, mountain–coastal landscapes, and role as a cross-border trade gateway.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Chanthaburi’s history reflects trade, migration, and regional conflict.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Khmer-influenced settlements |
| Ayutthaya period | Coastal and trade town |
| 1767–1768 | Base of King Taksin after fall of Ayutthaya |
| 19th century | French occupation (1893–1905) |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
Chanthaburi holds strong historical ties to King Taksin the Great and early Thai independence efforts.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Chanthaburi Province |
| Capital City | Chanthaburi |
| Region | Eastern Thailand |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~6,338 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~540,000 |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai |
| ISO Code | TH-22 |
Chanthaburi is one of the greenest provinces in Eastern Thailand.
⚖️ Government & Administration
Chanthaburi follows Thailand’s provincial governance framework.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & SAOs |
The Chanthaburi Provincial Hall oversees administration and border coordination.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi Province consists of 10 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Chanthaburi
Khlung
Tha Mai
Pong Nam Ron
Makham
Laem Sing
Soi Dao
Kaeng Hang Maeo
Na Yai Am
Khao Khitchakut
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Mountains, forests, coastal plains
Mountain Range: Cardamom Mountains
National Parks: Khao Khitchakut, Namtok Phlio
Coastline: Gulf of Thailand
Borders: Rayong, Trat, Cambodia
Chanthaburi has high rainfall and dense tropical forests.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Chanthaburi City Municipality
Tha Mai Municipality
Khlung Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Local governance emphasizes agriculture, tourism, and border management.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Gemstone trade & certification
Fruit agriculture & export
Eco-tourism & conservation
Cross-border trade
Sustainable rural development
Chanthaburi is central to Thailand’s gemstone economy.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Chanthaburi Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Border security units | Border & trade control |
| Park rangers | Forest protection |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & landslide response |
Safety planning addresses border, forest, and climate risks.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Christianity |
| Cultural Identity | Thai, Chinese & Vietnamese |
| Language | Thai |
| Unique Feature | Strong Catholic heritage |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (largest in Thailand)
Wat Phra Borommathat
Khao Khitchakut pilgrimage site
Chanthaburi is unique for its Christian–Buddhist coexistence.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Gemstones | Cutting, trading, export |
| Agriculture | Durian, mangosteen, rambutan |
| Tourism | Nature & pilgrimage tourism |
| Trade | Border & regional trade |
Chanthaburi is Thailand’s leading durian-export province.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Local colleges |
| Major Hospitals | Chanthaburi Hospital |
Healthcare supports residents, farmers, and seasonal workers.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Highways to Rayong & Trat |
| Rail | No direct rail |
| Nearest Airports | Trat / U-Tapao |
| Border Routes | Cambodia trade crossings |
Infrastructure supports agriculture and trade logistics.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Khao Khitchakut pilgrimage mountain
Namtok Phlio National Park
Chanthaburi Gem Market
Fruit orchards & coastal villages
Tourism blends faith, nature, and commerce.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Thailand’s gemstone capital
Major tropical fruit exporter
Eastern border trade province
Eco-tourism and conservation hub
📝 Summary
Chanthaburi Province is a jewel in both name and nature. As Thailand’s gemstone capital and a land of forests, fruit orchards, and spiritual diversity, Chanthaburi connects history, economy, and ecology—playing a vital role in Eastern Thailand’s cultural and economic landscape.
📢 News & Articles
“Thailand’s Gemstone Trade in Chanthaburi”
“Durian Export Growth in Eastern Thailand”
“Pilgrimage Tourism at Khao Khitchakut”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.